Best Vibration Plates for Senior-Approved Low-Impact Home Workouts
Get shaking with these sweet sales on vibration plates!
Exercise is part of living a healthy life, and the best vibration plates can boost bone health, build muscle, and help you lose weight. If you’re not familiar with the device, a vibration plate is a platform that sends high-speed vibrations through your body when you stand on it. This stimulates your muscles, making them stronger.
It may sound like a fad, but there’s some impressive research behind this exercise machine. It’s been shown to reverse Type 2 diabetes symptoms, fight inflammation, and even improve body composition. Before we share the best vibration plates for home workouts, let’s do a quick deep dive into how they work.
Best Deals on Vibration Plates
- Save $59 on the Goplus Mini Vibration Plate Whole Body Fitness Platform w/Loop Bands at Walmart
- Save $28 on the Lifepro Rhythm Vibration Plate at Amazon
- Save 36% on the Best Choice Products Vibration Plate
What are the best vibration plates?
- Best overall vibration plate: Lifepro Rumblex Plus 4D Vibration Plate
- Best vibration plate for small spaces : Lifepro Waver Mini Vibration Plate
- Best vibration plate for lymphatic drainage: GoPlus Mini Vibration Plate
- Best Lifepro vibration plate: Lifepro Rhythm Vibration Plate
- Best compact vibration plate : Best Choice Products Vibration Plate
- Best vibration plate for weight loss: EILISON FitMax Vibration Plate
- Best high vibration plate : VT003F High Vibration Plate
Do vibration plates really work?
Sometimes called vibration platforms or power plates, vibration therapy has been used since the sixties. But as someone who grew up with the no pain, no gain motto, certain fitness equipment has always hit me as gimmicky. Fat blasting belts and thigh masters? I’m skeptical. Fortunately, that’s not what vibration plates are.
“A vibration plate is often compared to resistance or weight training, but if I had to give a direct comparison, I’d call it accelerated calisthenics,” says Joel Gottehrer, co-founder and COO of Lifepro. “Vibration training or therapy isn’t really its own separate ‘thing,’ [but] a machine that adds stimulation, causing rapid small muscle movements while you do certain exercises, stretches, or even massage positions on it.”
Vibrating platforms work by sending vibrations through the body. To stabilize itself, your muscles jump into action. A small study in BMC Geriatrics showed that the device can trigger muscle fatigue and contractions, which leads to growth. Maintaining or gaining muscle promotes not only strength, but keeps our metabolism from slowing with age.
Vibrating platforms also improve our range of motion. The Journal of the Canadian Chiropractic Association, researchers found that vibration platforms not only activated muscles but made participants more flexible. There’s also some evidence (from the International Journal of Molecular Science) that they can improve gut health.
In an experiment involving mice, scientists discovered that the vibrations shook immune cells and the microbiome. They noticed that the shaking increased the bacteria Alistipes, an inflammation-fighter. Although researchers are still trying to understand why this happens, it has exciting implications, especially for those with joint issues and Type 2 Diabetes. It’s already been well-documented that inflammation contributes to chronic disease and pain. If these are concerns for you, adding a vibrating plate to your exercise routine may help.
How do I use a vibration plate?
“Vibration training works by creating different low amplitude micro-movements while performing exercises, [such as] stretching positions or slightly modified positions on the surface of the moving platform,” explains Gottehrer. These exercises can include squats, lunges, or crunches.
Most of the best vibration plates include resistance bands to make using the device more engaging. “[Vibrating plates] were initially used for recovery of muscle mass and bone density, but research has diversified to include everyone from beginners and injury-prone users to professional athletes,” says Gottehrer. “Consistency is key to long term gains like anything else, but people really enjoy how it makes them feel, and tend to stick with it.“
Do vibration plates work if you just stand on them?
According to Science Daily, the best vibration plates can aid weight loss and reduce belly fat. Similar to the best elliptical machines for home or the best upright exercise bikes for weight loss, they offer a low impact workout. Although more research needs to be done, they could be a viable option for seniors who can’t lift weights due to limited mobility. “Certain benefits are immediate and occur whenever using a machine, even [just standing], and some are gained longer term,” says Gottehrer.
“Benefits can include increases in circulation, lymph movement, balance, stability, and even a boost in energy levels can be felt within a minute or two of use. Probably the most notable benefit is that it makes the actual exercises easier, allowing recovery while you do the work. [This is] appealing to users that can’t handle [high] impact or long workouts.”
How do I choose a vibration plate?
When shopping for the best vibration plates, pay attention to the plate’s movement pattern and frequency — you’ll see the latter displayed in hertz (Hz).
Some vibrating platforms have a pivotal oscillation pattern. It’s a see-saw motion that offers full body vibration. To maintain balance, you must engage your core. Other vibration plates create a linear movement with the use of a wheel and springs, or offer a combo of both patterns. Having multiple vibration patterns reduces stress on joints and engages more muscles.
Some experts recommend seeking a vibration plate that offers 20 to 45 hertz. At this speed, both large and small muscles around the knee become activated. According to the Journal of Musculoskeletal and Neuronal Interactions the sweet spot for this is 30 hertz.
What is the best vibration plate for weight loss?
Vibration platforms that accommodate physical limitations, while offering movement variation or accessories to workout with can help drop pounds. One of the best vibration plates for weight loss is the Lifepro Rumblex 4D. Its frequency goes up to 40hz, includes multiple vibration patterns, and comes with resistance bands. It’s great for injury recovery, promotes circulation, and more. Love it!
Another Lifepro vibrating platform that deserves a mention is the Rhythm Vibration Plate. It doesn’t have a super high frequency, but it has handlebars. As someone who often forgets to stretch and has hurt her knees from running, I sometimes need help squatting deeply. This machine makes that much simpler. Its waves are also strong enough to promote circulation and encourage lymphatic drainage. Anything that gets my blood flowing and decreases the look of cellulite is worth my time. And unlike the best lymphatic drainage machines — which are great, FYI — vibrations double as a workout!
Which vibration plate is best?
I’ve already mentioned the Lifepro Rumblex 4D, but it really is one of the best vibration plates you can buy. It offers both pivotal and linear movement, which is challenging, but also smoother then teeter-tottering from one side to the other. However, there are plenty of other vibrating plates that are also good.
The BlueFin Fitness 4D Vibration Plate pivots and offers linear and micro-vibration. It comes with loop bands for your arms, and regular resistance bands for your thighs.
Shop the Best Vibration Plates for Seniors
Ready to shake, rattle, and roll? See which vibration platforms are our favorites.
Lifepro Rumblex Plus 4D Vibration Plate
- Description
- Pros
This is the crème de la crème of vibrating plates, especially if you want to drop pounds. The Rumblex Plus 4D’s frequency goes up to 40 hertz, and according to the American Society for Bone and Mineral Research that’s the perfect number for weight loss. However, this device has a lot more than that to offer. It vibrates in multiple directions, activating your entire frame. The wide base is uncurved for stabilization and joint support. Arm loops for resistance training are included on the machine’s sides, and the anti-grip bottom keeps you from gyrating into another room. A wrist remote allows you to jump between preset programs and increase vibration intensity without pausing your workout.
Promising review:“My husband and I both have back problems, and the use of this on a daily basis has definitely helped with some of the pain. We have also noticed when using it on very low setting later in the day we sleep better. We are using it with resistance training and yoga. I can’t recommend it enough.”
- Awesome for weight loss
- Multiple vibration modes
- Includes watch remote
Lifepro Waver Mini Vibration Plate
- Description
- Pros
Just because you’re going on vacay doesn’t mean you need to leave your fit life behind. This Mini Vibration Plate from LifePro goes easily into your car, and gives all the benefits of its larger counterpart. Featuring a 200 watt motor and full body vibrations, it’s just the thing to keep your muscles strong and agile. This is also a great option if you have a smaller home, apartment, or can’t stand the idea of bringing in another piece of bulky fitness equipment.
promising review: “I was looking for an exercise machine that strengthened my legs muscles and was a low impact workout. I found this vibration plate exercise with an affordable price comparing to other brands, which can cost me a fortune. The machine came with a big box including a vibration plate, a cord plugin, some stretch bands, exercise accessories, and a remote control. I can tell the machine is well made, sturdy and heavy. It has so many adjustable speeds settings and nine auto programs. At the lower intensity level its vibration is gentle and provides great relaxation for the muscles. I put the machine in front of my sofa in the family room, so I can sit down watching television while having my legs relax on the vibration plate. The plate surface is anti-slip design, so I can put my bare feet there without any discomforts. At the higher intensity level the machine put force on every muscles and became a great workout machine. So far I have mostly used the low intensity to make my body get used to the machine. After one week of use, I can see that my leg muscles are not as tense as they are used to be. My legs are always tense because I stand at work all day long. Now after work I cannot wait to go home to use the machine, so my legs can be pampered.”
- Includes remote control
- 99 speed settings
- Great for travel
GoPlus Mini Vibration Plate
- Description
- Pros
Lymphatic drainage promotes blood flow, improving circulation and helping to prevent fluid buildup. While some people get a massage to make this happen, you can also use the GoPlus Mini Vibration Plate. Its lowest mode of intensity is designed to detox the system. All you have to do is step on, hold in your core, and let yourself shimmy. Of course, you can take it up a notch and do some squats or even lower crunches. The machine includes not only resistance bands, but also comes with hand bars that are perfect for planks, drips, and semi-reclined moves.
Promising review: “This vibrator is super easy to use.My veins and circulation feel good.And I feel lighter.It feels great after use!”
- Comes with extra training accessories
- Multiple modes of intensity
- Quiet motor
Lifepro Rhythm Vibration Plate
- Description
- Pros
Step on up, and prepare to burn. Lifepro’s Rhythm Vibration Plate is one of the best vibrating plates for seniors or those rehabbing from injuries. Its durable base and handlebars give support, while the machine sends gentle waves through the body. There are built-in heart rate sensors, and the dashboard is large enough for you to skip your glasses. Hold the rails as you begin, and then go hands-free or use the arm bands. Just 15 minutes a few days a week will leave you feeling stronger and looking more toned. It also comes with a lifetime warranty!
Promising review: ‘I love the machine. I feel as though I’ve had a massage after using it. I’m getting stronger, and can feel it [helping] in my advanced yoga practice. I’m 78-years-old, and want to stay strong and healthy until I’m 100!’
- Compact but durable frame with arms
- Large, easy to read dashboard
- Holds 330 pounds
Best Choice Products Vibration Plate
- Description
- Pros
You don’t need a lot of space to work out with this machine. The compact vibration plate from Best Choice Products offers a combo of high intensity vibration and low oscillating movement that strengthens legs. The loop resistance bands can be used on and off the machine for a multitude of fitness moves, like bicep curls or upright rows. There are 99 speeds and 10 programs to select from. Use before a cardio session, for strength training, or to decompress after a long day.
Promising review: “I have always wanted to start working out and losing a bit of weight, but I have no room for exercise equipment in my home. I was skeptical of this full body vibration platform, but I absolutely love it! After using with the resistance bands I can already feel the burn in my arms.”
- 10 preset programs
- Built-in transport handle
- Holds 330 pounds
EILISON FitMax Vibration Plate
- Description
- Pros
You’ll want to kick off your shoes for this vibration plate. Its platform includes magnets to trigger pressure points as the machine vibrates. This helps promote blood flow, release toxins, and could help weight loss efforts. Vibration speed goes up to 120. Crank it up and do a set of squats — your tush will definitely burn. You’ll probably feel so motivated after your session, you may want to take your workout outside. Fortunately, this device includes a fitness tracker, perfect for on and off the platform. Capable of holding 350 pounds, it’s a great choice no matter where you are in your fitness journey. Resistance bands are included, and there are five preset programs to select from. Hundreds of Amazon customers love it!
Promising review: “After one month of usage, I can clearly see changes in my body. I lost almost 3.3 pounds just by standing on it…the free fitness tracker is the cherry on the cake!”
- 1,351 Amazon reviews!
- Acupressure surface
- Includes fitness tracker
VT003F High Vibration Plate
- Description
- Pros
If you live for the pleasure of deep tissue massage, you’ll love the VT003F High Vibration Plate. It offers high-frequency vibrations that shake you to the core — but in a good way. Boasting three built-in programs and resistance straps, the platform is adaptable to you. If you’re new to this piece of equipment, start with the low intensity, and then move up to something more powerful as you become used to the motion. There are four anti-slip pads on the bottom, so the vibrations won’t damage your floor.
Promising review: “This thing definitely gets your circulation going, and depending on what exercises you do and how slowly you move, it can be very challenging. Your nervous system also gets a nice reset, allowing sore or tired muscles to relax and begin the process of recovery.“
- Anti-slip pads
- Soft and deep tissue vibration
- Commercial grade platform
Looking for even more fitness equipment for seniors? Keep reading!
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